Learn how to build, upgrade, and use Spike Traps in 7 Days to Die
One of humanity’s simplest and oldest fortifications is created by sharpening some branches and sticking them in the ground where the enemy could walk into them. Essentially, that’s what Spike Traps are in 7 Days to Die. Except here, the enemy usually isn’t smart enough to avoid them.
This guide will walk you through how to craft, upgrade, and set up Spike Traps and offer advice on how they can be used to defend your base.
How to craft Spike Traps
Spike Traps are the simplest fortification to make in 7 Days to Die and can be crafted as soon as the player spawns into a new world. Spike Traps have two variants, one is made from Wood, and the other is from Forged Iron. Both variants can be crafted in the inventory crafting tab or Workbench.
Each cluster of wooden spikes will cost:
- 20 Wood
To craft the stronger iron variant, you’ll need the following:
How to upgrade and repair Spike Traps
If you’ve already surrounded your base with wooden spikes but want to swap them out for iron, you don’t need to break down your defenses. With at least 4 Forged Iron in your inventory, you can upgrade wooden spikes to iron by using the secondary action with a stone axe, claw hammer, or nail gun.
Traps will lose durability when they deal damage to enemies and eventually break if not maintained. In addition to their durability meter, Spike Traps will become visibly damaged and bloody when they wear down. When this happens, they can be repaired in the same way they are upgraded. Just make sure you have either Wood or Forged Iron in your inventory.
How to use Spike Traps in 7 Days to Die
Spike Traps only deal damage when an enemy enters their space. It may be easy enough to lure wandering zombies into them, but feral zombies and other players may require some subtlety if you want your traps to be effective.
Here are some suggestions on how to set them up:
1. Defensive Rows
Spike Traps’ main function becomes apparent in base defense. You’ll want to build lots of these traps and lay them in concentric rows around the outside of your base. Of course, you don’t want to completely block your entrances (until a blood moon comes), but everything else should be off-limits to keep zombies from scratching at your walls.
2. Barricades
Spike Traps can be used to block pathways inside scavenging locations. This can stop pursuers, prevent new zombies from entering behind you, or slow down attacking swarms. The last of these uses is particularly effective, as it deals damage and slows down enemies enough for you to line up headshots.
3. Pitfall Traps
If you’re looking to trick other players into your traps or make your spikes more effective, you can set up loose board blocks above your spikes. Dig a small pit in a major walkway and fill it with Spike Traps. Then, lay loose boards over the top and wait for someone unsuspecting to step on them.
This will cause the boards to collapse and drop the victim into the spikes, making it difficult to escape and dealing significant damage before they can escape.
Pros and cons of Spike Traps
Cons
- This trap is obvious when out in the open and can be easily avoided by other players if not hidden.
- Spike Traps are notoriously fragile and will require regular maintenance.
- These traps don’t deal much damage and may require several units to kill a single enemy.
- Other players and enemies can easily destroy these traps.
Pros
- Spike Traps are cheap, and wooden spikes can be constructed in seconds.
- Spike Traps display their damage very obviously, making it easy to determine which traps must be repaired or replaced.
- These traps are highly accessible and can be crafted by any player without blueprints or perks.
Tips and tricks for using Spike Traps
- Spike Traps are best used in high numbers. Try setting up multiple rows around your outer walls to keep enemies away.
- These traps work well when combined with other traps, especially loose board blocks and Barbed Wire Fences.
- Spikes are great for restricting movement. Feral zombies and players will naturally avoid areas with lots of spikes, allowing you to better prepare for attacks in clear areas like doors and walkways.
- Spikes aren’t restricted to ground placement. These hazards can also prevent enemies from climbing or jumping over defenses by placing them on the tops and sides of walls.
Final thoughts on Spike Traps
The Fun Pimps labeled Spike Traps as the first and last line of defense against attacking zombies. These defenses are crucial to early-game survival, as they are the first real traps players can make. They may be simple, but Spike Traps never truly become obsolete.
Looking for some other tips to help you get started in 7 Days to Die? Check out our 10 Tips for Getting Started and 7 Days to Die Beginner’s Guide.
